Malaria?

[whatisit760]

Doc,

I am in a fairly high risk malaria area and forgot to take my malarone for the first 2 months while here in coastal east Africa.

I am a little worried as I've woken up very sweaty once each of the last two nights, have had headaches on/off over the last ~5 days (I initially attributed the headaches to the fact that its the point of my deployment that I get more easily frustrated and stressed and the headaches usually occur when annoyed..twice I got a headache in the last 10 days while I was rather relaxed though), and today some muscle pains.  I have been working out rather regularly, but cut the workout short today because the muscle pains (noticed for the first time) were strange almost like the kind when you get the flu.  Didn't notice them until I started lifting weights. My lower back is also sore which is not overly abnormal for me.

I still have a solid appetite so far and a normal energy level.  I am also an otherwise healthy 27 y/o male, and for the most part feel just fine.  I did have an upset stomach but just for the beginning of yesterday and was fine after taking some stomach medicine.

I am obviously now taking my malarone once per day    

What are your thoughts on the liklihood of it being malaria?  I have only gotten noticeably bitten a handful of times as they do a pretty good job of keeping the mosquitos down on base.  I'd guess that I've noticed being bitten about 5-6 times.

THANKS!!!!

[whatisit760]

That you for the quick response.  It is much appreciated.  

Although I don't have a thermometer (maybe I'll get one today), I haven't been convinced at all that I have a fever.  Although I had some trouble falling asleep last night due to headaches and body pains, I did not have any night sweats.

The back pain wandered up to my upper back and shoulders.  I'm out of here in a little over a week.  Should I be fine just taking my malarone and seeing how I feel once I'm back in the states?  If I start getting sick to my stomach, or a fever gets added to this all I will bring it up to the docs here.  

I'm sort of just hoping that this was all just something else and goes away......Thanks!!!!

[whatisit760]

As bedtime is coming on, my back is getting sorer and I have some of the flu-like skin sensitivity.  

Thanks for the help!

[Philip D Parks, MD, MPH, MOccH, FACOEM]

Hello,

One of the rules of travel and tropical medicine is that a fever in non-native person (not taking malaria prophylaxis) in an area with endemic malaria is malaria until proven otherwise.

In general, symptoms of high fever, neck stiffness, and headache are features of meningitis. And, if confusion (or mental status changes) is present, then we get concerned about encephalitis.

That being said, there are many, many causes of fever and body aches (medical name is myalgias).

Please feel free to respond with additional questions that you may have.

~ Dr. Parks

This answer provided to you is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice. The information presented in this Medhelp.org posting is for patients’ education only. As always, I encourage you to see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.